I'm fairly new to MetaFilter, and really only ever read the Ask section. I know - and respect - that I'm not supposed to post a self-link anywhere. But in a question I read yesterday, I saw that a lot of people object to websites that play sounds (as do I). I've found a program that lets me mute the whole browser window, and would like to put that info somewhere as I think a lot of people would like it. But I do run a site that gives discounts on software, and will have one on that program next week.

So I guess I have 2 questions - can I politely post a link to the program at all? It's not news, just something it sounds like people want. And second, can I post that my site will be discounting it next week?

I would have no objection to your posting that link and information in the original AskMe thread.posted by Faint of Butt at 8:07 AM on July 20, 2006

Appropriately labeled and on-topic self-links are generally permissible in the comments, just not on the front page.posted by monju_bosatsu at 8:20 AM on July 20, 2006

Yeah, I generally have no problem with self-links in AskMe threads, as long as they're explained.posted by muddgirl at 8:21 AM on July 20, 2006

Yup, it's in the FAQ, even: "Including a link to your own site in a comment is okay provided that it has some relevance to the topic being discussed."posted by Gator at 8:32 AM on July 20, 2006

If you feel any qualms about linking to it via your software-discount page, you could simply offer a direct link and sidestep that whole dilemma.posted by cortex at 8:40 AM on July 20, 2006

Yeah, I wouldn't post "and you can get a discount at my site!" or you're going to get some unpleasant responses.posted by languagehat at 8:52 AM on July 20, 2006

Oops, I did the post before seeing the last 2 responses.

I'm not trying to promote myself (here, I do it other places), but it seems like since there's a discount coming, why not let people know about it? But I mostly wanted to let people know about the program - I'd been looking for one like that for so long, and it's clear that other people would like it too.posted by EllenC at 8:58 AM on July 20, 2006

You did well coming to MetaTalk for clarification. Carry on.posted by sciurus at 9:17 AM on July 20, 2006

I think it's pretty much okay, at least you covered your ass by asking first. It might've been better if you had said, "You can get a discount at my site, which I posted to Projects last month," or something, but it's probably okay as is. (Damn, twenty-five bucks for the program, though? Yow. I'll stick with the volume control on my speakers, which is free.)posted by Gator at 9:17 AM on July 20, 2006

I'm impressed by your earnestness. You could inline a goatse if it were up to me, never mind just make a polite mention of the program/site.posted by Mayor Curley at 9:19 AM on July 20, 2006

I'm impressed by your earnestness.

Yeah, but you're on record as being a big Jim Varney fan.posted by cortex at 9:22 AM on July 20, 2006

I kind of liked his kid's show, at least in theory, even though he, sir, was no Pee Wee Herman.posted by y2karl at 2:24 PM on July 20, 2006

I'd say that you would be best served by including a link to the program, and a link to your site indicating the upcoming discount. Because after the discount is gone, people will probably be running across the AskMe question and looking for answers.posted by MrZero at 4:38 PM on July 20, 2006

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